Monday, February 15, 2010

Ten Questions for Bishop Richard

To-day, at noon, there was proclaimed in front of the portico, and cathedral doors, of St. John the Evangelist, Cleveland, Ohio, ten questions addressed to Bishop Richard Lennon. 'Code Purple', a group of catholic parishioners of the Cleveland diocese were the presenters of the questions regarding the intransparency and injustice of parish suppression and closure. 'Code Purple' is a group of catholic parishioners of the Cleveland diocese, speaking for some whom may be shy, or afeared, or despairing of being actually heard by the bishop and the public. They wish a conversation with the bishop. They point out there is nothing resembling a one-to-one correspondence with the stated rationale and the reality of closure.1. In the Five Year Diocesan Financial Projection where are the major budget shortfalls and how does closing vibrant parishes plug the shortfalls?2. How much money has been collected from closed (not merging) parish accounts?Would you please list the closed parishes and amount of money the diocese hascollected from each? Would you please list the receiving parishes and amount thediocese has distributed to each?3. Some dioceses follow a peaceful and progressive plan which organizes pastoralunits (approved by canon law) where groups of parishes are served bypastoral teams. This allows each parish to decide whether to close or remain open.Did Cleveland ever consider such a process? If yes, why was it not implemented?4. How do you respond to accusations that the Cleveland Cluster/Close Program (whichforces parishes to sacrifice each other) is unjust, cruel, abusive andunChristian?5. How do you explain the fact that the Cleveland Cluster/Close Programoften ignored and reversed cluster recommendations?6. Would you consider giving churches a second chance for continued existence if thosechurches can prove they are self sustaining, active in social service, able to pay allassessments and are working to increase membership?7. Would you consent to a mediation effort between the Diocese of Cleveland and theChurches Asking for Second Chances, with mediators agreed to by Diocese andChurches?8. Is there a reason why you are closing and stripping churches that are in appeal to Romewithout waiting for answers from Rome? Has Rome given permission to closeappealing parishes?9. Why are ethnic and African American parishes being disproportionately targeted forclosing?10. Why is the Cleveland Diocese more concerned about dwindling financials thanthe dwindling number of people in the pews?

This is the "smoke of Satan" that Pope John XXIII was referring to thathas seeped into the Church. Until these unfaithful, liberal, imposters like Lennon who claim to be our Catholic leaders leave or get kicked out of the Church, the Faith will continue to go downhill. By liberal I mean when was the last time you heard Lennon or most other priests preach about responsibility or the sins of today's society from the pulpit? All I ever hear is the politically correct stuff that they think won't offend anyone. They talk about God's mercy and love and not about his justice and associated punishment for lack of repentance.

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